The Koch Center’s DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for Children Program is for children (ages 7-12) who exhibit emotion dysregulation and behavioral dyscontrol. DBT views problematic behaviors as the child doing ‘the best s/he can’ to deal with the intensity of his/her emotions.

DBT for Children helps children and parents acquire adaptive coping skills and problem-solving. DBT for Children adds to standard DBT an extensive parent training component. This specialized DBT protocol teaches parents the DBT skills in addition to effective behavior management techniques. 

The Koch Center’s DBT for Children Program includes the following components:

• Weekly DBT Multifamily Skills Group – Thursday's 5:45 PM-6:45 PM (Montclair location). At least one parent attends skills group with child. Group meets for approximately 20 weeks. Over the course of the program, the DBT Skills are introduced and practiced in a child friendly manner.
• Individual DBT Therapy – Weekly 45 minute sessions with child are focused on applying the skills learned in group to an individual’s target behaviors and goals.
• Parent DBT – Weekly 45 minute sessions to help parents adopt effective parenting and contingency management techniques, as well as improve the parent-child relationship.

Event Type	Advocacy Family Support Community Conversation Educational Workshop
Age Groups	Children
Community Services	Community Community Education Employment / Training Life Skills Training Preparing for Adulthood Family & Support Services Case Management Family Support Parenting & Caregiving
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Anxiety Behavioral Family Conflict & Distress Mental Health Teen Issues Medical Health / Wellness / Nutrition
Treatment Services	Outpatient Services Counseling Counseling / Therapy, Family Counseling / Therapy, Group Counseling / Therapy, Individual Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Last Updated: 08/03/23